Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Define mental health and mental illness.
• List the key factors believed to influence the development of mental illness.
• Identify the ways in which culture, ethnicity, and religion influence health and illness behaviour.
• Describe contemporary mental health and addiction issues in a Canadian sociocultural context.
• Discuss the causes and symptomology of mental disorders and addictions as they relate to community support worker service.
• Discuss evidence-based treatment, intervention, prevention, and service support strategies.
• Explain the community support systems model of care.
• Describe at least two purposes of a mental health treatment plan.
• Explain how psychotherapeutic medications are used in the treatment of addiction.
• Provide a brief summary of the theory and research in working with mental health and addictions populations as it impacts addictions community support worker practice.

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Basic Admission Requirements

• High School Completion: Applicants must have a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
• Age Requirement: Minimum 19 years of age.
• Mature Student Status*: Applicants who have not completed high school and are at least 19 years of age, may apply as a mature student.

*Mature student status may be granted to applicants who are over 19 years old and have not completed high school or equivalent. The applicants will be considered for admission based on the skills and experience they have acquired since leaving school. The applicant is required to provide the most recent transcripts or proof of academic accomplishments, a resume or summary of professional accomplishments, and two professional letters of recommendation. The applicant may be interviewed by the Registrar’s or Academic office to further assess their suitability for admission to the program of study.

2. English Language Proficiency

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Minimum scores from accepted English tests (e.g., IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 46, Duolingo 95, etc.).
• Recent English proficiency test (within 2 years).
• Proof of English-language education:
  • 2–3 years of secondary or post-secondary education completed in English in eligible countries.
  • International credentials must be recognized by WES, ICES, or IQAS.

Requirements can vary from one program to another, so the applicant should be responsible for meeting the requirements set for every program.

Please see the Admission Requirements Guide for more information: Admission Requirements Guide.

To successfully complete this course, students must:

• Pass the final exam
• Attend a minimum of 80% of the scheduled classes
• Achieve a minimum overall score of 50%

• In-class instruction
• Distance education
• Combined delivery: (both in-class and distance)